In one of the most high-profile automotive partnerships in UK football, BYD has been named the Official Automotive Partner of Manchester City, signalling a major brand-building move for the fast-growing EV giant.
The multi-year agreement connects the world’s leading New Energy Vehicle (NEV) manufacturer with one of the Premier League’s most successful clubs — combining global reach, performance and a shared focus on sustainability.
The partnership goes far beyond badge placement.
BYD will supply electric vehicles from both its core BYD line-up and premium sister brand DENZA to Manchester City. Crucially for UK readers, the agreement also includes installing vehicle charging infrastructure and energy storage battery systems at the City Football Academy, the club’s state-of-the-art training hub.
Brand visibility will be immediate. BYD’s logo will appear on the men’s first-team training kit sleeve from today, expanding to the women’s first team next season. The company will also feature prominently at the Etihad Stadium, including dug-out headrests. In a symbolic touch, a BYD vehicle will lead the team bus into the stadium for Premier League and domestic cup home matches.
For UK motorists increasingly considering electric, this partnership places BYD directly in front of millions of fans every week.
This deal is part of BYD’s broader strategy to cement its presence in European markets — particularly the UK, where EV adoption remains strong despite recent market fluctuations.
The company previously sponsored UEFA Euro 2024 and will also support the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2025, reinforcing its commitment to international football as a platform for brand growth.
Stella Li, BYD Executive Vice President, described the partnership as more than a commercial tie-up, highlighting shared values of innovation, performance and sustainability.
City Football Group CEO Ferran Soriano echoed that sentiment, positioning BYD as a technology-driven partner aligned with the club’s environmental ambitions — particularly around facilities and infrastructure.
Founded over 30 years ago as a battery manufacturer, the Shenzhen-based company produced the world’s first mass-produced plug-in hybrid in 2008. Since then, it has grown into the global leader in New Energy Vehicles, spanning fully electric models and its Super Hybrid PHEVs.
In 2025 alone, BYD sold 4.6 million vehicles worldwide, with more than one million delivered outside China. The company celebrated production of its 15 millionth NEV in December 2025 — a milestone few automakers can match.
With 120,000 R&D engineers and an average of 45 new patent applications filed every working day, BYD is positioning itself not just as a car manufacturer, but as a vertically integrated clean-energy technology powerhouse.
